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Superintendent reports Norton construction progress, open‑choice limits and SRO staffing update
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Solon updated the board on Norton School construction progress and timelines, recommended limited new open‑choice seats at the high‑school level, and reported on School Resource Officer staffing and a planned phone‑free youth event.
Superintendent Dr. Solon told the Cheshire Board of Education on Jan. 16 that construction at Norton School is progressing and that the district is planning student engagement around construction activities, while also flagging program capacity limits and staffing changes.
Dr. Solon said spring construction work will focus on foundations and concrete, structural steel is expected by the end of the school year and frame work will be visible over the summer. Geothermal well work is under way and the district is discussing bringing knowledgeable contractors to speak with students and coordinating bus trips so students can observe installations.
On enrollment, Dr. Solon said the district has increased Open Choice participation over the past several years but faces K–8 seating constraints. He recommended not adding K–8 Open Choice seats this year, while proposing the addition of five or six freshman seats at Cheshire High School and limited openings for sophomores and juniors. He said the district does not intend to admit new seniors for only a final year.
On safety staffing, Dr. Solon said one School Resource Officer (SRO) left for another town and the Cheshire Police Department’s memorandum of understanding on special duties has been extended until March 1; however, a carve‑out for SROs means officers should return soon. He thanked current SRO Mike Khan for responsiveness.
Dr. Solon also previewed a phone‑free youth event for grades 5–8 the district is co‑hosting with the YMCA and Park and Recreation, capped at 100 students, intended to encourage multi‑age social engagement and peer‑led activities.
Administrators provided an update on naming suggestions for the new Norton-area school; suggestions included local family and historical farm names. The town council and a naming committee will consider submissions ahead of an architects’ deadline in June 2025.
